Federal S&T instruments to be employed to assist ailing shipbuilding sector

Industry Canada is promising prompt implementation of key innovation elements of its new policy framework for Canadian shipbuilding and industrial marine industries. Released earlier this month, the framework says the government will “facilitate access” to existing federal S&T programs and facilities to help make the ailing industries more competitive.

The National Research Council (NRC), Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC), the NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) and the scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) tax credit program are all being tapped to assist (http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/shipbuilding).

Although no details are available, the policy framework states that the NRC plans to invest in its Institute for Marine Dynamics in St John’s NFLD to stimulate growth of a cluster in ocean technology. Plans also include an incubator program.

The NRC has been requested to generate a technology roadmap in conjunction with Industry Canada to identify which shipbuilding-related technologies would be eligible for support under TPC. IRAP will be encouraged to work with small shipbuilding firms through its industrial technology advisor network, to provide financial contributions of up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $350,000.

The government will also encourage the shipbuilding industry to use the SR&ED program more effectively. Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, which administers the SR&ED program, will publish an industry-specific information bulletin to raise industry awareness of available tax incentives for R&D.

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